[2]The Yankees’ games seem to go fast, so much faster than they used to than in previous years when this team could hit. There were just six hits, all singles, Tuesday night in the 3-1 loss to Kansas City, the Yankees’ third straight setback, all at home. They had just one hit after the second inning. The game lasted just two hours, 29 minutes.

“We’re going to have to score more runs,” Joe Girardi said. “I believe they can do it.”

He praised the effort of his hitters and refused to make a plea for outside help as the nonwaiver deal deadline gets closer.

“As I’m asked that question on a yearly basis, what you’re asking me to do is kind of put down the guys in that room and I’ll never do that,” Girardi said.

He will have to hope the injured guys can get up and running in a hurry when they return, although outside help would sure be helpful, too. He will settle first for Derek Jeter’s help very soon.

“I think his presence is going to help us,” Girardi said. “He’s used to so many things that happen in New York and understands the landscape here. I think his attitude will help us.”

How much Alex Rodriguez will help in the second half is questionable. Besides the issue of performance after the second hip operation in four years, the latest ESPN report has a suspension by MLB over the Biogenensis scandal expected at some point after the All-Star Game, which will have a large cloud over it with about 20 players in this boat. You would think A-Rod would be able to play during the appeal process. Here’s a link to my Yankees notebook[3] with items on A-Rod, Jeter and Travis Hafner.

Plus, here’s my article on the team’s latest offensive struggle[4] and the waste of CC Sabathia’s complete game. And I have a look back at the Pine Tar Game[5] with the 30th anniversary coming later this month and George Brett in town with the Royals.

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Hey everyone, Chad here, just jumping in on Brian’s post to say I’m going to host a quick chat today at noon. The offense hasn’t been much to talk about, so why don’t we talk about that?